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Image for Holtwood Whitewater Park to Open in 2015 (PA)

Holtwood Whitewater Park to Open in 2015 (PA)

Anticipation was running high for the first public dam releases on the newly constructed Holtwood Whitewater Park this fall, however the final round of testing in early October revealed more work was needed before opening the park.  Specifically, strong currents scoured rocks from the bottom of the river, changing the two surf waves in a way that impacted their performance and possibly their safety.  Testing and modifications are ongoing, and we'll announce a schedule of releases early next year.  The

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Image for Congress Passes River Conservation Bills

Congress Passes River Conservation Bills

In the final days of the 113th Congress public lands bills were attached to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 113-291). The legislation designated significant new Wilderness Areas and Wild and Scenic Rivers in areas vitally important to the paddling community. American Whitewater has played a leadership role in several of the bills that represent important conservation measures for rivers. Also attached are several development-oriented bills that are likely to have negative environmental impacts. While the package of

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Image for Cosumnes River - Illegal Fence Blocking Access at Latrobe Road Bridge (CA)

Cosumnes River – Illegal Fence Blocking Access at Latrobe Road Bridge (CA)

In the summer of 2013, American Whitewater’s Regional Coordinator, John Simpkin, started the tedious task of gathering the facts and information to help American Whitewater get illegal fences blocking public access to the Cosumnes River at Latrobe Road Bridge removed.  Years prior to this a local boater, Steve Ruhnau, witnessed a landowner cementing and welding the iron fences to the bridge. Citing only the individuals who party and leave trash under the bridge, the landowner included sharp iron finials on

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Cosumnes River – Illegal Fence Blocking Access at Latrobe Road Bridge (CA)

In the summer of 2013, American Whitewater’s Regional Coordinator, John Simpkin, started the tedious task of gathering the facts and information to help American Whitewater get illegal fences blocking public access to the Cosumnes River at Latrobe Road Bridge removed.  Years prior to this a local boater, Steve Ruhnau, witnessed a landowner cementing and welding the iron fences to the bridge. Citing only the individuals who party and leave trash under the bridge, the landowner included sharp iron finials on

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Image for Comment Opportunity on the Green River Gamelands Plan (NC)

Comment Opportunity on the Green River Gamelands Plan (NC)

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has released their draft management plan for the Green River Gamelands in North Carolina.  This plan addresses all uses and activities in the iconic Green River Narrows, as well as the Class III+ Upper Green and the Class II Lower Green. This place and this plan are important to many paddlers in the southeast and across the globe.  You can review the plan here, and send in a comment by January 16th, 2015.  New

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Image for Take Action: Comment on Proposed Bear River Dam (ID)

Take Action: Comment on Proposed Bear River Dam (ID)

The Twin Lakes Canal Company (TLCC) is pushing forward in its 10-year effort to build a new dam on the Oneida Narrows reach of Idaho's Bear River. The reach is one of the last freely-flowing reaches of the Bear River, providing outstanding recreation, ecological and fish and wildlife values–including habitat for the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout and a fun Class II river run. The river's values have been noted by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, which has designated the reach

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Image for Mining Co. Appeals Water Right Decision–NF Smith Watershed (CA/OR)

Mining Co. Appeals Water Right Decision–NF Smith Watershed (CA/OR)

American Whitewater is part of a coalition working to protect the headwaters of the Wild and Scenic North Fork Smith from mining proposals. Last summer, when the Oregon Water Resources Department was considering Red Flat Nickel Corp's application for a water right near Baldface Creek, members and supporters helped to send thousands of comments in support of protecting the area's pristine waters. The agency denied the application in September. Last month, Red Flat continued to pursue the mine and filed a

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Image for AW's December Volunteer of the Month - Presented by Kokatat

AW’s December Volunteer of the Month – Presented by Kokatat

American Whitewater is pleased to announce Daniel Patrinellis as our December 2014 Volunteer of the Month!   For the past several years, Dan has been a passionate advocate for rivers in the Pacific Northwest. He has assisted American Whitewater on several projects, including protecting Ernie's Gorge from hydropower development and promoting whitewater boating opportunities on the Chelan Gorge.   Through videos, photos, and social media, Dan has helped us amplify the American Whitewater message and promote our work. This fall he

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AW’s December Volunteer of the Month – Presented by Kokatat

American Whitewater is pleased to announce Daniel Patrinellis as our December 2014 Volunteer of the Month!   For the past several years, Dan has been a passionate advocate for rivers in the Pacific Northwest. He has assisted American Whitewater on several projects, including protecting Ernie's Gorge from hydropower development and promoting whitewater boating opportunities on the Chelan Gorge.   Through videos, photos, and social media, Dan has helped us amplify the American Whitewater message and promote our work. This fall he

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Image for National Park Service Proposes to Raise Entrance Fees Across the Country

National Park Service Proposes to Raise Entrance Fees Across the Country

With few exceptions, fees across the national parks have not changed since 2006. Currently several National Parks across the country are considering increased fees for park entry and wilderness permits. A number of National Parks provide whitewater paddling and we want to make sure our community is aware of the opportunity to provide comment on these proposals. We agree that the Parks need more money to be managed sustainably and continue to offer high quality recreational opportunities. That money can

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Image for River Access Mosquito Road Bridge (CA)

River Access Mosquito Road Bridge (CA)

Originally built in 1867 and reconstructed on the existing foundations in 1939, Mosquito Road Bridge is often called the “Swinging Bridge” in reference to the physical nature of the original suspension cable bridge.  Today this historical single lane bridge serves as one of two routes to and from the community of Swansboro.  Car enthusiasts get a thrill driving their muscle cars on the winding switchbacks that lead to the bridge.  And of course many folks use the bridge as a

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Image for Obama Administration to meet with Coloradoans to discuss Browns Canyon

Obama Administration to meet with Coloradoans to discuss Browns Canyon

Salida, Colorado – SATURDAY, December 6, 2014, senior officials from the Obama Administration will join U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet and senior state officials to hear from the public about what they want for the future of Browns Canyon and whether it merits designation as a national monument as the senators have proposed. Attendees will include U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and Bureau of Land Management Deputy Director Steve Ellis. Members of the public are invited to

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Image for Support AW on Colorado Gives Day–December 9th!

Support AW on Colorado Gives Day–December 9th!

Support American Whitewater's Colorado River Program on Colorado Gives Day, December 9th!   American Whitewater is working to keep Colorado's rivers flowing and ensure safe access to them, and we need your help to keep this good work going. Colorado's largest one-day online giving event – Colorado Gives Day – is Tuesday, December 9th. That day, thousands of donors across the state will come together to support non-profit organizations like ours.    Last year, donors contributed a stunning $20.9 million

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Support AW on Colorado Gives Day–December 9th!

Support American Whitewater's Colorado River Program on Colorado Gives Day, December 9th!   American Whitewater is working to keep Colorado's rivers flowing and ensure safe access to them, and we need your help to keep this good work going. Colorado's largest one-day online giving event – Colorado Gives Day – is Tuesday, December 9th. That day, thousands of donors across the state will come together to support non-profit organizations like ours.    Last year, donors contributed a stunning $20.9 million

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Image for Senators Urge President to Designate Browns Canyon National Monument

Senators Urge President to Designate Browns Canyon National Monument

Arkansas River, Colorado – U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet urged the president today to engage with the people of Chaffee County, community leaders and stakeholders throughout Colorado, by beginning a public and transparent process to consider designating Browns Canyon as a national monument through the Antiquities Act. The senators' letter echoes the local sentiment that a national monument designation — protecting 22,000 acres along the Arkansas River between Salida and Buena Vista — would boost the statewide economy,

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Image for Breaking Ground on the Gore Canyon Whitewater Park - CO

Breaking Ground on the Gore Canyon Whitewater Park – CO

Grand County, Colorado – Right where the Colorado River emerges from Gore Canyon and enters the meandering flats of the Pumphouse Recreation Area, a new whitewater park is being constructed. On November 21st, a gathering of officials from BLM, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, local landowners and business, and paddlers, joined with Grand County officials to announce the construction of the Gore Canyon Whitewater Park. The Park is an integral piece of protecting the Colorado River, and a project that

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Image for Enloe Dam Remains an Economic Loser (WA)

Enloe Dam Remains an Economic Loser (WA)

Today, Conservation Groups release an updated review of the economics of restoring hydropower at Enloe Dam on the Similkameen River.  The original economic review was completed in 2011, and the most recent review addresses how mandated and potentially increased minimum flows through the bypass reach would further impact the Public Utility District No. 1 of Okanogan County’s (OPUD) 2008 projections.  This 2014 analysis, prepared by Rocky Mountain Econometrics of Boise, Idaho, concludes:  • Construction costs continue to increase.  RME estimates

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Image for ACTION ALERT: Shorten CO's Boating Season?

ACTION ALERT: Shorten CO’s Boating Season?

The future of late summer flows in the Colorado River is at risk, and we need your help to show how important these flows are to paddlers. It'll be quick and easy…all you have to do is share your experiences on the river! Here's what's happening. American Whitewater is working with the City of Glenwood Springs to secure water rights for river recreation on the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. These Recreational In-Channel Diversion rights ("RICD"), allowed by State Statute

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Image for American Whitewater Supports Clean Water Protection Rule

American Whitewater Supports Clean Water Protection Rule

Through Outdoor Alliance, American Whitewater joined today with the Outdoor Industry Association to speak up for clean water on behalf of the millions of Americans that recreate on and near our nation's rivers and streams. The organizations submitted joint comments in support of the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers' proposed Clean Water Protection rule. The proposed rule was released last spring in response to rulings from the Supreme Court in 2001 and 2006 that created uncertainty about which waters

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Image for Court Finds 2012 Chattooga Decision Legal

Court Finds 2012 Chattooga Decision Legal

Last week the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on the case over the Forest Service’s 2012 decision to implement restrictions on paddling the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River.   Conservation-oriented paddlers, Georgia Forest Watch, and the Rust Family had asked the court to overturn various portions of a lower court decision that favored the Forest Service.  These requests were denied, and the lower court ruling was upheld by the Fourth Circuit.  Both courts were limited to reviewing the basis

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Image for White Salmon (WA) River Meeting Nov 15

White Salmon (WA) River Meeting Nov 15

The Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group is developing a Fish Habitat Conservation Approach focused on the long-term management of salmon and steelhead habitat along the lower six miles of the White Salmon River. The Enhancement Group has worked closely with American Whitewater, Yakama Nation, and resource agencies to develop a collective vision for the White Salmon River that realizes the full benefits of Condit Dam removal for fish and the community. It is important for the boating community to be a part

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Image for Workplace Giving and AW

Workplace Giving and AW

It's workplace giving season–a great way to support American Whitewater! If you are a federal employee, American Whitewater is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations through the Federal Combined Giving Campaign (yes, we're a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID #23-7083760). The federal workplace giving season began September 1 and runs through December 15th, and you can donate to American Whitewater by selecting code 11351. American Whitewater is part of the Universal Giving program, meaning you can donate to support our river

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Image for 2014 Holiday Membership Offer

2014 Holiday Membership Offer

We have a great Holiday offer this year – for just $45 you get a standard one year membership with American Whitewater and a 2015 AW Calendar. Each year, we collect the best photos from our gracious fans and pick out our favorites for our annual calendar, you will not be disappointed! The proceeds from our Holiday offer are used to support AW’s river stewardship. We think this is a great gift to give to any river lover. . .or a

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Image for 2015 American Whitewater Calendar For Sale

2015 American Whitewater Calendar For Sale

The 2015 American Whitewater calendar is now available for purchase! Each year, we collect the best photos from our gracious community and pick out our favorites for our annual calendar. Proceeds from calendar sales support our river stewardship work.   It's an awesome fundraiser and a product that we know you'll love. Place your order: http://store.americanwhitewater.org/collections/miscellaneous/products/2015-american-whitewater-calendar   Please consider picking up one today (they also make great gifts). Thanks!

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Workplace Giving and AW

It's workplace giving season–a great way to support American Whitewater! If you are a federal employee, American Whitewater is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations through the Federal Combined Giving Campaign (yes, we're a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, tax ID #23-7083760). The federal workplace giving season began September 1 and runs through December 15th, and you can donate to American Whitewater by selecting code 11351. American Whitewater is part of the Universal Giving program, meaning you can donate to support our river

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